The 15 Best Kayak Trips in South Africa

1.Marine Life Kayak Tour From the V&A Waterfront

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 640 reviews · 2 hours · from $37Our pick

Paddle from the V&A Waterfront into Table Bay with Atlantic Outlook guides such as Zak, Ande, Renier, or Jordan. You’ll use stable kayaks, learn as you go, and look for dolphins, seals, penguins, whales, and sunfish beneath views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and Signal Hill.

“It exceeded all our expectations. Definitely one of the top experiences. I would absolutely recommend it to everyone 🐬🐧”

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2.Guided Kayaking in Hout Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 228 reviews · 2 hours · from $37

Paddle from Hout Bay Harbour with a small group of up to 10, guided in English or Afrikaans by staff such as Clarence, Clemon, or Chadley. Expect two hours on the Atlantic, Cape Fur Seals, possible dolphins and penguins, local stories, and a wet, weather-dependent outing.

“We have spend at least 40 minutes kayaking around with dolphins 🐬 which was life-changing. Guides were super nice and helpful, we felt safe and entertained and we'll informed the whole time. Location is also great with huge parking, facilities, cafe and a cool market where you can buy souvenirs afterwards. I would recommend it to anyone!”

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3.Atlantic Outlook Kayak Tour Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · from $29Top rated

Atlantic Outlook takes beginners and experienced paddlers onto the Atlantic from the V&A Waterfront for about two hours. Your guide supplies the kayak and safety gear, leads the route toward Sea Point, and points out Table Mountain, Lions Head, Signal Hill, the stadium, and marine life. David may even add lounge music from his kayak.

“Guys are cool. But in general it wasn’t organized well. We experienced kayak tour with other company and can compare. Price is more or less the same but more benefits with other company. I will not use Atlantic service any more.”

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4.Cape Town Kayak Adventure in Table Mountain Marine Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 151 reviews · from $28

Meet your guide at Three Anchor Bay for a safety briefing and tandem kayak lesson, then paddle 3 to 4 km toward Clifton or the V&A Waterfront. Guides such as Dylan, Leon, and Josh lead small groups past Green Point Lighthouse, shipwrecks, and possible dolphin and seal sightings.

“My teenage son and I decided to go kayaking when we were on our vacation in Cape Town. It was our first time in Cape Town. A friend of mine who is from Cape Town recommended this to get a different perspective from water to see Table Read more”

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5.Guided Sea Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 121 reviews · 2 hours · from $24

Set out from Central Beach for a two-hour guided sea kayak with Dolphin Adventures Sea Kayaking. Guides such as Tristan and Giovanni explain safety, ocean life, and local sights while you paddle toward views of Robberg Nature Reserve and the Tsitsikamma mountains. Expect salt water, changing conditions, and possible sightings of dolphins, seals, whales, birds, or sharks.

“whale came up right next to our kayak, amazing encounter”

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6.Dolphin & Ocean Wildlife Kayaking Adventure ⚓️

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · 2 hours · from $37

Join Truth Kayaking at Mouille Point for a two-hour Atlantic paddle in a stable surfski. English-speaking guides such as Vincent and Shanti lead you past Green Point Lighthouse, with chances to see dolphins, seals, penguins, whales, and sunfish. Finish with showers, Wi-Fi, music, and smoothies, matcha, or coffee.

“An absolute vibe from start to finish! The guides were absolute legends, kept the energy high, had us laughing the whole time and ended up hanging out afterwards with a matcha and bagel. Obviously the views of Cape town from the water are unreal but getting to see dolphins and even some whales on this particular outing was extra special. Honestly, couldn't recommend it enough.”

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7.Stormsrivier: Green Route Tubing and Paddle-Boarding Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 40 reviews · 3 hours · from $62

You will ride by Jeep or SUV from 85 Darnell Street to the wide Storms River, then spend about 90 minutes tubing, walking, and paddle-boarding through Plaatbos Nature Reserve. English-speaking guides, including Derrin and Luciene, lead this easy freshwater outing.

“Derrin and luciene made this activity totally worth it. It was a great experience paddling and tubing our way through the Stormsrivier.”

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8.Knysna Kayak Hire

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 30 reviews · 1 hour · from $15Best value

At 23 Sawtooth Lane, near Heads Up Coffee and Co, you’ll receive a kayak, paddle, life jacket, and safety briefing before setting off on a private, self-guided hour on Knysna Lagoon. Choose a single or double kayak, follow the marked area, and stop for sun and beach time.

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9.Guided Kayak Tour of Clifton Beaches & The Coast

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 28 reviews · 1h 30m · from $49

Meet your English-speaking guide at the orange gazebo on Clifton 4th Beach. Paddle a single or double kayak across Clifton Bay, look for seals, explore kelp forests and rock pools near Maiden’s Cove, and use a mask to view the water below. The 90-minute tour costs $49 per person.

“what a brilliant experience. I have been coming to Cape Town and Clifton my whole life, but kayaking through the crystal waters of Clifton bay and seeing the kelp forests below was spectacular! our guides were fantastic too! highly, highly recommend.”

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10.Guided Kayaking in Hout Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 19 reviews · from $25

Paddle Hout Bay for about two hours with Kayak Adventures Cape Town. Your guide supplies the kayak and safety gear, leads the route past Chapman's Peak and the harbor, and helps you watch for seals, penguins, whales, and dolphins. Chadley has earned praise for his local knowledge and clear safety guidance.

“Very professional company. Great communication regards safety. Thoroughly enjoyable two hours sea kayaking.”

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11.Paddle with the Penguins

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 19 reviews · from $34

Launch from Seaforth Beach with Shark Warrior Adventures for a roughly two-hour sea-kayak trip near African penguins. Terry and his team provide safety instruction, kayaks, paddles, and PFDs. Choose a single or double kayak, learn about local marine life, and return to the beach.

“Great guide learned a lot about the ocean and the pinquins. Best way to observe them. Also nice sporty event and best way to experience the Beaty of the coastline. !”

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12.Kayak Adventure at Clifton Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · from $28

Start at Clifton 4th Beach for a 90-minute guided kayak trip across the bay to Clifton 1st and Maiden’s Cove. Guide Vincent and the team provide stable kayaks, safety instruction, PFDs, masks, and waterproof phone cases. Expect kelp forests, rock pools, cold water, and views of Lions Head, Table Mountain, and the 12 Apostles.

“To be honest I was quite petrified 🤣 but the guides really calmed me down saying all will be good. It was a beautiful day with stunning weather conditions and it ended up being such a treat and amazing experience with my kids. I highly recommend Kayak Adventure at Clifton Beach.”

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13.Cape Town Sea Kayaking Adventure launching from V&A Waterfront

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 15 reviews · from $30

Join Waterfront Kayak for a 90-minute beginner-friendly paddle from the V&A Waterfront to the Oceana Power Boat Club. A guide leads the small group past views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and Signal Hill, with possible sightings of seals, dolphins, sunfish, and penguins.

“It was a great way to spend a drizzly afternoon in Cape Town. The water was beautiful & the weather changed every 5 minutes.”

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14.Kayak to the penguins in Simons Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · from $54

Meet your guide at Long Beach in Simon’s Town for a safety briefing, paddling tips, and a guided route through the bay. Depending on ocean conditions, you may kayak past the harbour, Boulders Beach, Windmill Beach, and Long Beach while looking for penguins, seals, and dolphins.

“Great short tour of the harbour, with a great alternative view of the penguins from the kayak. Our tour guide was very good and very knowledgable!”

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15.Kosi Bay Mouth Experience – Kayaking, Snorkeling, Fish Trap Tour and Fish braai

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews · from $71

Meet your guide at Kosi Bay Mouth at 8:00 am for a tide-shaped day of kayaking, snorkeling in the Kosi aquarium, Thonga fish-trap lessons, and a fish braai with mealie bread and peanut sauce. Guides including Vusi, Rick, and Simon bring local knowledge and patient help.

“Our family of 5 had lots of fun during the guided kayak tour and received interesting info on the river, lakes and the traditional fish traps. We enjoyed a wonderful fish braai at noon and afterwards we went for snorkling. Rick and Simon are Read more”

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